Spurs go into the game five points behind Roberto Mancini's men, who enjoy an imperious domestic record at Etihad Stadium.

But the 25-year-old believes the pace of wingers Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon can hurt any side, even the English Premier League champions.

"We are confident," Vertonghen told reporters when quizzed about Sunday's game.

"City are struggling. They're not too confident. And we're strong in away games, so we want to win there, and we're capable of that.

"They are one of the best teams in the league, but with our pace we can hurt anybody. I think we're hopeful to get a good result."

The Belgium international was speaking after a Jermain Defoe hat-trick secured a 3-1 win against Maribor in the Europa League on Thursday.

On the win, he said: "We were missing a lot of players but still we play good football, I think we did well.

"The goal was a pity, the 1-1. But I think we never panicked and just kept playing our game, possession."